SHILLONG: The National People’s Party (NPP) is looking to contest around 51-53 seats in the upcoming Assembly polls and party is looking for candidates who can give good fights.
Speaking to media persons after the public rally here on Thursday, NPP National President, Conrad Sangma said that the entry of eight former legislators into NPP fold indicated that the party would be the alternative in the state and people were wanting a change.
“We will be the single largest party and we are also trying to get absolute majority,” Conrad Sangma told reporters.
When asked about the Chief Ministerial candidate, Sangma said that that the Chief Minister would be decided by the elected MLAs collectively and affirmed that all the party leaders had taken the decision in a positive manner.
Sangma reiterated that the Chief Minister would be elected from the region which give the most number of MLAs for the party in the elections.
On the other hand, former Congress MLA Tynsong who joined the NPP on Thursday, said that they were expecting more MLAs to join the NPP and the party was ready to accept them.
When asked why he did not make a hue and cry earlier against the Chief Minister for holding as many as 18 departments, Tynsong said that they had lodged complaint with the All India Congress Committee (AICC) at least five six times.
He also defended his decision of not resigning from the Cabinet saying they tried to change the leadership in the party till 2016 and they were hoping that the AICC would take some action but it never happened.
On being asked if he was vying for the Chief Ministerial post, Tynsong said, “Let us first cross the bridge.”
He also felt that the decision of the seven MLAs to leave Congress was a big blow for the ruling party even as he denied allegations that they were opportunists and claimed that they were in politics to serve the state.
Earlier, the party also paraded 50 of its candidates who will be contesting the polls.
As per the list, the party so far has not selected the candidates from constituencies like Khliehriat, Mawlai, East Shillong, West Shillong, Mylliem, Sohiong, Mawphlang, Sohra and Ampati.
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